Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits (plaques) on the walls of arteries, leading to narrowing and restricted blood flow. The main causes and risk factors that contribute to the development of CVD include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Puts strain on the heart and damages blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis.
- Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lining of arteries, increase heart rate, and raise the risk of blood clots.
- High cholesterol: Excess "bad" cholesterol (LDL) leads to plaque formation; low levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) can worsen this.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels, increasing CVD risk.
- Lack of physical activity: Physical inactivity promotes atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders.
- Unhealthy diet: High intake of saturated fats, sugars, and calories contributes to plaque buildup and metabolic disturbances.
- Obesity: Increases risk through associated conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Genetic predisposition and family history: Some inherited factors can increase susceptibility, though most cases involve multiple genes.
- Psychosocial factors, stress, and poverty: These also elevate risk.
- Other factors: High levels of lipoprotein (a), chronic kidney disease, poor sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and inflammation markers like high C-reactive protein.
- Environmental factors: Air pollution is also recognized as contributing to risk.
Up to 90% of cardiovascular disease risk can be linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, highlighting the importance of prevention through healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and managing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
